As the number of senior drivers in Oregon continues to rise, it’s important to stay informed about the rules surrounding driver’s license renewal. In Oregon, while seniors aren’t subject to a mandatory age limit for renewing their license, certain special rules apply to drivers 50 years and older.
This includes vision tests, potential driving restrictions, and the process for requesting unsafe driver investigations. Here’s everything you need to know about driver’s license renewal for seniors in Oregon.
Oregon Driver’s License Renewal Rules for Seniors
In Oregon, driver’s licenses are typically issued for eight years, after which drivers must renew their licenses. Here’s an overview of what’s required:
Time Limits
License expiration: Your driver’s license will expire every eight years, and you’ll need to renew it within two years of the expiration date to continue driving legally.
Renewal frequency: Unlike many states, Oregon doesn’t impose special age-based renewal rules for seniors, but certain conditions apply to drivers aged 50 and older.
Vision Testing
If you are 50 years or older on the date your license expires, you must pass a vision screening as part of your renewal process. The test checks your field of vision and visual acuity. To pass the test:
Your visual acuity (with corrective lenses if needed) must be 20/70 or greater.
Your field of vision must be at least 110 degrees.
If you don’t pass, your license won’t be renewed until you meet the vision standards. This test helps ensure that older drivers have the visual capabilities necessary to drive safely.
License Restrictions
Based on the results of the vision test or other factors, the Oregon DMV can impose certain restrictions on a senior driver’s license to enhance safety. The most common restrictions include:
Corrective lenses: Requiring glasses or contacts while driving.
Daylight driving only: Restricting driving to daylight hours only.
Additional mirror: Requiring an outside right-side mirror on the vehicle for better visibility.
Manual transmission: Restricting the driver from operating vehicles with manual transmissions.
Specialized equipment: Drivers may be required to use hand controls or other specialized equipment.
Driving position support: Requiring prosthetic aids to help ensure proper driving posture.
Area or time restrictions: Limitations such as not driving during rush hour or driving only in specific areas.
These restrictions will be marked on your driver’s license with a letter code indicating the specific limitation (e.g., G for daylight driving only).
Requesting an Unsafe Driver Investigation in Oregon
The Oregon DMV allows concerned individuals—such as family members, police, or healthcare providers—to request an unsafe driver investigation if they believe a driver is unfit to drive safely.
To request a review:
Submit the Driver Evaluation Request form, which must be signed by two people and a notary if submitted by a citizen.
The DMV accepts reports based on specific instances of unsafe driving, not just a general concern about age or health.
Mandatory Reporting for Doctors
Oregon law requires doctors to report certain conditions that could impair driving. If a physician diagnoses a patient with a severe and uncontrollable condition (such as dementia or severe vision impairment), they must submit a Mandatory Impairment Referral form to the DMV. This law is part of Oregon’s At-Risk Driver Program.
For more information, physicians can visit the DMV’s At-Risk Driver Program page. Driver Evaluation Request forms must be submitted to:
DMV Driver Specialty Services
1905 Lana Avenue NE
Salem, OR 97314
Requests submitted to the DMV are confidential but cannot be made anonymously.
How to Get a License Reinstated in Oregon
If your license has been suspended or revoked, you can learn how to get it reinstated by visiting a Regional Field Office in Oregon. Each office can provide you with the specific steps required to have your license reinstated, depending on the reason for the suspension.
How to Get Parking Placards or License Plates for Disabled Drivers
Oregon also offers disabled parking placards and license plates for individuals with impaired mobility. To qualify for a disabled parking placard, a licensed healthcare provider must certify that the applicant has a condition that severely limits their mobility. Eligible conditions include:
Severe paralysis or the inability to use some or all limbs.
Severe vision loss that can’t be corrected.
Chronic heart conditions or emphysema.
Arthritis or neurological conditions that cause walking difficulties.
Steps to Obtain or Renew a Disabled Parking Placard:
Complete the application form and have it notarized.
Have a licensed healthcare provider sign the form (e.g., doctors, chiropractors, nurse practitioners).
Submit the completed form at a local DMV office, fax it to 503-945-5181, or mail it to:
DMV Driver Issuance Unit
1905 Lana Avenue NE
Salem, OR 97314
The processing time for a disabled placard is about 10-14 days.
Additional Help for Senior Drivers
Senior drivers are at an increased risk of traffic-related injuries due to factors like slower reaction times and age-related vision loss. If you’re involved in an accident or have received a traffic citation, it may be helpful to contact an attorney to help navigate the situation.
An attorney can also assist with license reinstatement if it’s been suspended due to unsafe driving behavior or other issues.
If you need more information or assistance, you can contact the Oregon DMV at one of its offices or visit the DMV’s website for resources on safe driving practices for seniors and how to handle traffic violations or license suspensions.
Seniors in Oregon should be aware of the requirements for driver’s license renewal and the potential for license restrictions based on vision and health conditions.
By following the state’s guidelines for renewal, completing required vision tests, and understanding the process for requesting unsafe driver investigations, seniors can continue to drive safely and legally.
If you need assistance with renewing your license or applying for a disabled parking placard, the Oregon DMV is ready to help.
